1. The Celtics just weren't the same after Kevin Garnett left the game in the first quarter. The remaining healthy Celtics hung their heads, they dragged their feet and they mentally checked out of a game that they should have won easily, even without KG.
2. There was one guy who stayed in the game from start to finish — offensively and defensively, physically and mentally. That guy was Paul Pierce.
If you've been paying attention, neither of the above should surprise you much. The Celtics are an emotional team, and their investment in the game swings wildly when one of their emotional leaders goes down. And of course when one leader goes down, it's only natural that the other steps up.
That Wednesday night performance from Pierce may have been lost in all the clamor over Garnett's injury, but it was a gem. The Celtics' captain turned in 33 points, eight assists and five rebounds for his team in its time of need. It was his second 30-point game this month.
And if the C's are going to continue to chug along through these next couple of weeks without Garnett, they're going to need a few more MVP-caliber performances from Pierce. For the moment, he's the key to the Celtics staying atop the Eastern Conference.
It's been a backwards season for the Celtics injury-wise — they expected for their age to be a problem this season, but in fact it's been all their young guns going down with various ailments. Kendrick Perkins, Delonte West and Rajon Rondo have all missed significant time this season, and only three Celtics played in all of the team's first 30 games — Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen.
It all starts with a healthy Big Three for the Celtics. But when one of them goes down, another has to step up. Right now, it's Pierce.
The Celtics' captain has demonstrated an ability to adapt to the game, giving his team whatever it needs. In his natural state, he's a pure scorer. When Rondo went down in December, he became a playmaker. And now that Garnett's out a little while, Pierce has to become the jack of all trades.
Garnett does a little bit of everything, and now Pierce will have to do the same. He's got to get the big defensive stop or the big rebound. He's got to hit shots from mid-range and establish the post. He's got to lead the Celtics emotionally when they need a little jolt. He's got to do it all.
The Celtics have gotten by with injuries before, and they can do it again. But they need their captain more than ever.
Is Paul Pierce the most important player for the Celtics now that Kevin Garnett is out with injury? Share your thoughts below.
